Tanzip Zipline is located in a semi-arid landscape, just minutes from the lush village of Mto wa Mbu, and just beside the wetlands of Lake Miwaleni. The amazing baobab trees that can survive in this landscape are both majestic to see and noteworthy for their many uses. Tanzip’s eco- zipline decks and tree house refreshment stand are built around the hefty trunks of these uniquely African trees.
The baobab tree is known as the quintessential tree of Africa. It’s considered one of the giants of Tarangire National Park of Tanzania, and grows in 32 African countries.
In the rainy season it’s gigantic trunk sucks up water (up to 120,000 L!) and stores it for the dry season. This way it continues to bear fruit year round. It’s bark can be used to make rope, and it’s leaves are edible. The fruit is very interesting as it does not fall off the tree and spoil. It will stay hung and dry out for up to 6 months. Once dried it has a shelf life of up to 3 years without preservation. The dried fruit comes away from it’s seeds in a powder that can be used in beauty products, as thickener for jam or gravy, as sweetener in juices, and is even used to make ice cream and beer! They can also be eaten as is, or with a sweet and sour candy coating, which is a favourite among African children! The baobab fruit is very nutritionally dense, with high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, among many other nutrients.
Baobab trees were featured in Disney’s The Lion King, as well as the children’s book, The Little Prince.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia#Food_uses
